Rogers: Repko injury creates chance to deal Byrd

April 21, 2012|By Phil Rogers, Tribune reporter

Credit a running catch by the Red Sox’s Jason Repko for creating an option the Cubs didn’t think they had a couple days ago.

Repko jammed his shoulder crashing against the Green Monster on Friday afternoon at Fenway Park, and may become the 11th player on the disabled list in Boston. Because that list includes Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford, the Red Sox are desperate for veteran outfielders, and few of those are being made available this time of the year.

That’s created a window for something the Cubs didn’t think they could do as recently as Thursday – trade Marlon Byrd and create an opening for one of their two attractive options in Triple-A, outfielder Brett Jackson.

After the Cubs were swept in Miami, a team source told me that the team’s hands were tied for the time being. “We have to be patient,’’ said the source. “But patience can sure be challenging to watch.’’

With a stable of other outfield options available -- including Reed Johnson, Joe Mather, Tony Campana and Dave Sappelt – there’s little to be gained by continuing to play Byrd, whose .070 average has contributed to the Cubs’ average of 3.6 runs during a 3-11 start. The only real benefit to not releasing him – and paying the rest of his $6.5 million – is that Byrd could get straightened out and become a trade chip at mid-season.

The Cubs will probably have to pay a significant chunk of Byrd’s salary if he is going to be traded to Boston, as multiple reports have suggested. As a possible return for that cash, they could land right-hander Michael Bowden, a former first-round pick from Waubonsie Valley High who was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on April 15, opening a spot for Repko on the 40-man roster.

Bowden, who still lives in Oswego, told me in spring training he would love a chance to pitch for the Cubs. He could get a long look in the thin bullpen, and if anyone deserves a long look it’s Bowden. He’s been a good soldier for the Red Sox, never complaining when shuttled back and forth between Boston and Pawtucket the last five seasons. He’s 25 and has made 39 big-league appearances, including two this season.

A Byrd trade doesn’t mean that Jackson would immediately be promoted. The Cubs could delay one year of arbitration by leaving him in Triple-A through May, and all indications are they will do that.

One reason David DeJesus was signed was to give Jackson time to tighten up his swing. He’s hitting only .242 but has two home runs and a .484 slugging percentage. He has struck out 20 times in 73 at-bats.